Here is a new cruise called Voyages of Antiquity, a new venture set up by serial cruise line entrepreneur Gerry Herrod.
The industry veteran, who set up Ocean Cruise Line in 1984 and Orient Lines in 1993, has bought the former Aegean I cruise ship in Greece and plans a major refit, adding balcony cabins and reducing the capacity of the 11,500-ton ship from 500 to 382, before launching the new operation in May next year.
The 16 two-week Mediterranean itineraries have been put together by historian John Julius Norwich, who will be among guest lecturers on board.
There will be open-seating dining in the main restaurant, with the Terrace Cafe and Tapas on the Terrace as alternative venues. Fares will include an choice of excursions in every port, wine with dinner, and gratuities.
The first voyage, round-trip from Athens, visits Nauplia, Monemvasia, two ports in Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, Delos, Mykonos, Samos, Kusadasi (overnight), Canakkale and Istanbul (overnight) with fares starting at £164 per day for an inside cabin, up to £266 for a suite.
